What’s the difference between class action lawsuits, civil suits, and criminal suits?
A class action lawsuit is one filed by many people who have all been injured in a similar manner by the same party, usually a company. Class action lawsuits are often filed on behalf of people injured by defective products, such as faulty auto components. Each person who participates in the class action suit may not receive the full compensation to which they are entitled, but they can force companies to make safer products. A civil suit is a lawsuit filed against another party in order to secure financial compensation. Personal injury lawsuits, including trucking accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and auto accident cases, are one type of civil suit, though there are many others. A criminal case is one filed by the government against a party with the express aim of punishing the defendant for a crime committed. The punishment can be in the form of jail time, fines, community service, or other forms.
